ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Payroll Reporting in India – A Formal Employment Perspective
The Central Statistics Office , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the report on Employment Outlook of the country covering the period September, 2017 to February, 2018. It is based on the administrative records available with selected government agencies to assess the progress in certain dimensions.
This is the first in this series of employment statistics. This release is an outcome of the recommendations of the of the Task Force on Improving Employment data constituted under the Chairpersonship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog which submitted its report in August, 2017. One of the recommendations related to exploring the use of administrative statistics for preparing high frequency employment statistics. In the first report, the administrative records from EPFO, ESIC and NPS have been used for compiling the statistics in the formal sector and relates to the period September 2017 to February, 2018.
Please click here to access the detailed note related to Employment Outlook.
Ministry of Defence
Vice Chief of the Air Staff Launches
Phase 2  of
The Upgraded 3d air Combat Mobile Game
‘Indian air Force: a Cut Above’
TheVice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal HS AroraAVSM, ADCtoday launched the multiplayer version of its upgraded3D Air Combat Mobile Game “Indian Air Force: A Cut Above” at the Air Force Bal Bharti School. The game was initially launched by the Indian Air Force to connect with the youthof the country and inspire them to join the Indian Air Force.
The first version of the mobile game was launched on 31 May 19 and has been downloaded by more than 2.2 million online users since then. The single player version required the individuals to play with thein-built Artificial Intelligence of the application. The latest multiplayer version on the other hand will enable players to have a realistic engagement with the opponent anywhere across the globe.
The mobile application has two modes named as “Team Battle” and “Death Match”. The user has option to choose from the diverse range of the aircraft in the inventory of the IAF, including Mig 21, Tejas and Mig 29 which were not available in the previous version. In the “Team Battle” the user forms a team and takes on adversaries in the virtual arena thus enabling a real feel of the aerial combat. In the “Death Match”, the user will join an Arena where the user is a part of eight opponents and the individual having the highest score at the end of the mission is the winner.
This version also includes a feature of “Augmented Reality” wherein the user is able to have a 360o view of the aircraft both from inside as well as outside. In addition, the user will be able to upload their achievements on Facebook, Twitter etc at the end of the session.
“Indian Air Force: A Cut Above” will be available on Android and IOS platforms, it can be downloaded from their respective play stores.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Sri Mannathu Padmanabhan on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Sri Mannathu Padmanabhan on his birth anniversary. The Prime Minister also acknowledged his contributions to social reforms, rural development and India's freedom movement.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Tributes to Sri Mannathu Padmanabhan on his birth anniversary. His contribution to social reform and his service motivate several people. He was also widely respected for his efforts to further rural development and made a great contribution to India's freedom movement.”
Department of Space
Union Minister Dr Jitendra says, Government proposes to widen the participation of private players in space domain, by allowing them to undertake end-to-end space activities
A comprehensive, overarching space policy has undergone extensive deliberations with industry groups, inter-ministerial consultations and is under further approval process: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Government proposes to widen the participation of private players in space domain, by allowing them to undertake end-to-end space activities.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, a single-window agency, INSPACe – Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre, has been created in this regard to promote, handhold and authorize space activities of Non-Government Entities .
The Minister also informed that in parallel, NewSpace India Limited , a Central Public Sector Enterprise under Department of Space mandated to carry out operational and commercial activities, so far largely conducted by ISRO.
On the subject of whether Government has prepared a policy to define commercial activities of space that are available for private sector handled by NSIL and ISRO, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Department of Space is in the process of formulating a comprehensive, overarching space policy, that shall bring clarity on roles of various stakeholders. The Policy has undergone extensive deliberations with industry groups, inter-ministerial consultations and is under further approval process.
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Ministry of Finance
Consolidation of Regional Rural Banks 
With a view to enable Regional Rural Banks  to minimize their overhead expenses, optimize the use of technology, enhance the capital base and area of operation and increase their exposure, the Government has sought comments of respective State Governments and Sponsor Banks on a roadmap for Amalgamation of RRBs within a State.
The roadmap has been prepared in consultation with NABARD and proposes to bring down the number of RRBs to 38 from the present 56. It is expected that the proposed amalgamation of RRBs will bring about better scale-efficiency, higher productivity, robust financial health of RRBs, improved financial inclusion and greater credit flow to rural areas.
This was stated by Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Minister of State for Finance in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Decrease in Agricultural Holdings
The Department of Agriculture, Co-operation and Farmers Welfare conducts agriculture census every five years to collect data on structural characteristics of agricultural sector including size of agriculture land holdings in the country. As per the latest information available from Agriculture Census, the average size of operational holdings has decreased from 2.28 hectares in 1970-71 to 1.84 hectares in 1980-81, to 1.41 hectares in 1995-96 and to 1.08 hectares in 2015-16.
Considering the declining trends observed in the size of agriculture holdings in the past and the prospective increase in population over time, the fragmentation of holdings is likely to continue and the average size of operational holdings is expected to further decrease in the country including Kerala.
In order to make small holdings more viable and to assist augmentation of farm incomes, Government has taken several measures including adoption of modern technologies and practices like multiple cropping, intercropping and integrated farming systems. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research  is conducting research programmes to develop location specific varieties and technologies for enhancing the production and productivity of farm holdings. Support is also provided to farmers  through initiatives and programmes of the Government like Interest Subvention Scheme, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture , National Food Security Mission , Neem Coated Urea, Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchayeeYojana , Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojana , National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture  etc.
Except in the years of adverse weather, rainfall, temperature conditions, natural calamities etc., the production and productivity  of agriculture crops in the country has been generally increasing, as observed in the table given below:
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All-India production of Food grains
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Sl. No.
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Year
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Production

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1
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2000-01
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196.81
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2
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2005-06
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208.60
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3
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2010-11
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244.49
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4
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2015-16
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251.54
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5
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2016-17
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275.11
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6
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2017-18
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285.01
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7
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2018-19
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285.21
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8
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2019-20
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291.95Second advance estimate
Thus, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that fragmentation of land holdings has resulted in adverse impact on agricultural production/yield.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
INDIA, KFW sign Euro 442.26 million loan for Surat Metro Rail Project
The Government of India and the Germany Development Bank – KFW  today signed a Euro 442.26 million loan for Surat Metro Rail project.
Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance signed for Government of India the agreements for Surat Metro Rail Project, while Ms Claudia Schmerler, Head of Division, Climate Finance and Urban Mobility signed for KFW.
The total cost of the project is Euro 1.50 billion, out of which KfW is financing Euro 442.26 million. The project is being co-financed by French Development Agency, AFD . The Agreement with AFD for Euro 250 million was signed on 28.01.2021.
The 40.35 km Surat Metro project aims to strengthen & augment the transport infrastructure of the Surat urban agglomeration. It will relieve traffic congestion and provide integrate town & Land use planning through Transit-Oriented Development. The project also aims at an integrated multi modal transport system in the influence zone of metro corridor to provide first and last mile connectivity and improved access to the metro system. Further, Solar energy shall be harnessed at both Depots of Surat Metro.
The project is envisaged and planned to have a system and transformational impact in terms of a reliable & safer public transport, reduction in traffic congestion & reduction in long delays on major travel corridors in Surat city and urban area by providing integrated mass public transport system. The project shall have a positive impact on the living standards and environs of the city of Surat.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Shri Bhagwant Khuba visits multiple solar PV sites on 3rd day of German tour
“It was a pleasure and privilege to interact with Indians on a foreign soil”: Shri Khuba
Minister interacts with NRIs on how India is prospering under Hon’ble PM’s leadership and how NRIs can contribute towards development of nation
Shri Khuba attended several bilateral and round table meetings during the three-day tour and expects technology transfer and investment announcements in the near future
Union Minister of State for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Bhagwant Khuba visited multiple solar PV sites on last day of Munich, Germany tour for Intersolar Europe 2022.
Shri Bhagwant Khuba, earlier today, visited interspace farming Agri-PV site in Althegenber near Munich, Germany. Agri-PV concept promotes dual use of land for Agriculture as well for solar power generation. Elevated solar panel structures provide required shade to crops in hot tropical Indian climate. Further bifacial vertical panels can also be used in agro PV.
The Minister observed that this concept addresses both the food security and energy security needs of India in coming years and hence many such projects shall be installed in India. Secretary, MNRE Shri Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi was also present. Shri Khuba visited different Solar PV sites with innovative technologies/methods. One of the site is using soil screw method where no cement is used for mounting the PV structure, instead a large screw is drilled into ground to provide strong base for the PV. This method reduces usage of cement and avoids any type of soil degradation. He desired that Indian RE sector too looks forward for such innovative methods.
Shri Bhagwant Khuba received a hearty welcome and felicitation by Indian diaspora in Munich. He expressed that it was a pleasure and privilege to interact with Indians on a foreign soil. The Minister interacted with NRIs about how India is prospering under Hon’ble PM's leadership. Further he discussed how non residents can contribute towards development of nation. Many bilateral and round table meetings were held during last 3 days.
Ministry of Defence
India-US 2+2 Dialogue provides positive and forward-looking vision for strategic partnership between the two countries
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defense Dr Mark T Esper and Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo in Washington DC on December 18, 2019 for the second annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. This 2+2 Ministerial is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two countries and provides for a review of the security, defence and strategic partnership between India and the United States. This was the second 2+2 meeting and the first in US.
At the Dialogue, both sides positively appraised the growing partnership between India and the United States, and noted that important milestones had been achieved since the inaugural 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi in 2018. Both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
At the Dialogue, both sides also committed to further deepen military-to-military cooperation, including between the Indian Navy and the US Navy Fleets under US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, and Africa Command and intend to expand similar cooperation between their respective Armies and Air Forces. A number of other initiatives to enhance military-to-military cooperation were also agreed upon.
The two sides concluded the Industrial Security Annex during the visit. Priority initiatives have been identified for execution under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative  programme. The two sides also concluded a standard operating procedure for this process. These measures are expected to provide momentum to collaboration between the private defence industries of both India and the US. The two sides also agreed to move forward in their engagement in the area of defence innovation.
Earlier, on the morning of December 18, Raksha Mantri was received at the Pentagon by US Secretary of Defence Dr Mark T Esper, with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and accorded a 19-gun salute. Shri Rajnath Singh and Secretary Esper later held delegation level bilateral talks at the Pentagon on further strengthening India-US defence partnership and External Affairs Minister held bilateral talks with his counterpart Secretary Pompeo. Shri Rajnath Singh also paid floral tributes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery.
After the 2+2 meeting, Shri Rajanth Singh, along with Dr S Jaishankar, called on President of the United States, Donald J Trump at the Oval Office. They were accompanied by US National Security Adviser Ambassador Robert O’Brian.
Raksha Mantri began his visit to the US from New York on December 16 where he had addressed a large Indian community reception. From New York, Shri Rajnath Singh travelled to the Norfolk Naval Air Station on December 17, where he was briefed on the naval and air assets stationed at the base.
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
MSP Operations during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at MSP from farmers as per existing MSP Schemes.
Paddy procurement for Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Karnataka and West Bengal with purchase of over 569.76 LMTs of paddy up to 18.01.2021.This is an increase of 23.83 % against the last year corresponding purchase of 460.10 LMT. Out of the total purchase of 569.76 LMT, Punjab alone has contributed 202.77 LMT which is 35.59 % of total procurement.
About 80.35 Lac farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 107572.36 Crore.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 51.66 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme . Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. Also, sanction for procurement of 2.50 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Rabi Marketing Season 2020-2021 for the States of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, was given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 18.01.2021, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 297924.90 MT of Moong, Urad, Toor, Groundnut Pods and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.1619.73 Crores benefitting 159812 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto 18.01.2021 as against the last year corresponding purchase of 293.34 MT of copra. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka. Till 18.01.2021 a quantity of 8508945 cotton bales valuing Rs. 24866.50 Crore has been procured benefitting 1743689 farmers.
Ministry of Steel
NMDC Celebrates its 64th Foundation Day
National Mineral Development Corporation , a public enterprise under Ministry of Steel celebrated its 64th Formation Day at its Head Office - Hyderabad and at all major projects with great vigour and enthusiasm. NMDC, the largest iron ore producer in the country was incorporated on 15th November 1958 and has completed 63 years of service to the nation. The Functional Directors Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Director ; Shri Somnath Nandi, Director  and Shri Dilip Kumar Mohanty, Director  inaugurated the programme at the Head Office.
Congratulating the employees on this occasion, Shri Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC said that these are transformational years for NMDC and with the ambitious projects and initiatives, the company is gearing up to build NMDC 2.0 in the coming decade. He emphasized that the company is venturing into new minerals and expanding its value chain while continuing to be indispensable to the Indian steel industry. He also remarked that, “In the coming years, your management would like to make NMDC a sought-after workplace, a compassionate employer that shows its appreciation, not in mere words, but by creating a supportive, nurturing and happy work environment for its employees and their families.”
NMDC’s Delhi Regional Office joined the company in celebrating its 64th Foundation Day by organising an Experience Sharing Session for the retired NMDC officers at the SCOPE Convention Centre in Delhi.
As a part of NMDC’s established corporate culture, employees who have put in more than 20 years of continuous service were felicitated during the function with Long Service Awards in recognition of their dedicated association with the company. These Long Service Awards were presented by the Functional Directors and Project Heads at respective projects of NMDC.
On November 15, 2021, the nation was celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and it was a matter of pride for NMDC to share its Foundation Day with the birth anniversary of the iconic leader Shri Birsa Munda. NMDC projects celebrated the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas by paying tribute to the tribal freedom fighters and appreciating the efforts of the tribal community in nation building.
Ministry of Defence
OPERATIONAL DEMONSTRATION ON NAVY DAY AT VISAKHAPATNAM
This year, for the first time, Navy Day Celebrations are being conducted outside the National Capital.
India celebrates December 04 as Navy Day, every year, to acknowledge the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievements in ‘Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
This year, as India ushers in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ with the commencement of the celebrations of 75 years of her independence, the Indian Navy is all set to demonstrate India’s combat prowess and capability through an ‘Operational Demonstration’ at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, December 04, 2022. The Hon’ble President of India and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt. Droupadi Murmu would witness the event as the Guest of Honour. Several dignitaries from the Central and State Governments are expected to attend the event, which will be hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff.
Traditionally, the Navy Day celebrations are conducted at New Delhi in the presence of the Hon’ble President and other dignitaries. This year, for the first time, Navy Day Celebrations are being conducted outside the National Capital. Indian Naval ships, submarines, aircraft and Special Forces from Eastern, Western and Southern Naval Command would showcase the capability and versatility of Indian Navy. The event will culminate with a sunset ceremony and illumination by ships at anchorage.
The Navy Day celebrations are aimed at fostering greater outreach, renewing maritime consciousness amongst our citizens and highlights the Navy’s contributions towards national security.
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Export of Sugar
With a view to evacuate surplus sugar from the country, mill-wise Minimum Indicative Export Quotas  of 50 LMT of sugar for export in the 2018-19 sugar season  was fixed and sugar mills were advised to export sugar as per their MIEQ allocation. Against allocation of 50 LMT of sugar for export, about 37 LMT of sugar has been exported in sugar season 2018-19. No compulsion was made on sugar mills by the Government to export sugar from the country and sugar mills were free to export sugar as per their commercial decision.
In view of huge carryover stock of sugar and estimates of surplus production of sugar than the estimated consumption in the current sugar season 2019-20, the Government has allocated mill-wise Maximum Admissible Export Quantity  of 60 LMT of sugar amongst sugar mills for export in the sugar season 2019-20.
This information was given in a written reply by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri. Danve Raosaheb Dadarao in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people of Telangana on state's Formation Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Telangana on the state's Formation Day.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Telangana on the state's Formation Day. People of Telangana are synonymous with hardwork and unparalleled dedication to national progress. The culture of the state is world renowned. I pray for the well-being of the people of Telangana."